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Google’s Update Decision: A Wake-Up Call for 50% of Android Users
In a recent move, Google has made it clear that apps will need to adapt to its new Play Integrity API, which aims to promote higher-quality and more secure experiences on the platform. However, this decision is not without its consequences, particularly for half of all Android users who are running outdated operating systems.
According to reports, around 200 million Android 12 users have a bigger problem than just this change. The reason? Google has officially stopped backporting security patches to Android 12 or 12L, both of which have reached end-of-life status. This means that device OEMs will not be providing any additional support for these older operating systems.
This news is particularly concerning given the current threat landscape. As highlighted by Zimperium, commercial surveillance vendors (CSVs) are now contributing a significant volume of zero-day exploitation. These vendors provide access to zero-day exploits, making it easier for attackers to target mobile devices.
In fact, research has shown that malicious apps delivered via sideloaded apps and mishing/social engineering pose the top threats to Android users. Additionally, Amnesty International discovered an activist’s Android phone had been successfully targeted by a custom malicious USB device.
For these 50% of Android users running outdated operating systems, upgrading to Android 13 or above is no longer just a recommendation – it has become a necessity. The risks of running an unsupported phone OS are exacerbated by the fact that most people now connect their personal phones to their employer’s networks and systems.
This not only puts individual data at risk but also poses a significant threat to organizational security. In 2022, vulnerabilities in enterprise network and security appliances accounted for nearly half of the zero-day flaws exploited by attackers last year, according to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group. It is clear that mobile devices are no longer just secondary concerns; they must be treated with the same comprehensive protections as traditional desktops.
The key takeaway from this research is the growing threat of spyware and commercial surveillance vendors (CSVs). In fact, Amnesty International found that an activist’s Android phone had been successfully targeted by a custom malicious USB device. Zimperium warns that mobile threats are no longer secondary concerns; they must be treated with the same urgency as desktop security.
In conclusion, it is imperative for these 50% of Android users to upgrade their devices to Android 13 or above to ensure their safety and security. The risks associated with running outdated operating systems far outweigh any inconvenience caused by upgrading to a newer version.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/04/30/googles-android-decision-bad-news-for-50-of-all-users/
